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Ferrero: ´Beast´ Nadal still as motivated as ever

Juan Carlos Ferrero does not expect to see compatriot Rafael Nadal retire any time soon due to his unwavering motivation to be the best.

Nadal, 32, spent most of 2018 as the world number one but lost that place to Novak Djokovic before the season ended having not competed since the US Open in September.

The 17-time grand slam champion, who has battled injury issues throughout his career, underwent surgery on a persistent ankle problem last month but will return at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in December.

Ferrero insists Nadal's hunger to succeed remains and believes he can continue to play at an elite level for a few years yet.

Speaking ahead of the Champions Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall, Ferrero told Omnisport: "I have been talking to my closest friend.

"I am seeing him competing two or three years more. If he is fit enough, his tennis is great.